August 21, 2025: India has the potential to emerge as a global leader in clean fuel production, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, said today. Speaking at the 24th Darbari Seth Memorial Lecture at The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), Gadkari emphasized that a significant reduction in hydrogen production costs could allow India to rival traditional oil-producing nations.
“By bringing down the cost of green hydrogen to $1 per kilogram, India can transform from an energy importer to a global exporter of clean fuel,” Gadkari said, highlighting the strategic importance of hydrogen in the country’s energy future.
Currently, the cost of producing green hydrogen in India is around $4.67 per kilogram, considerably higher than conventional fossil fuels. Gadkari stressed that leveraging India’s abundant renewable energy resources, such as solar and wind power, and promoting technological innovations, could help bring these costs down, making hydrogen a commercially viable alternative.
The Minister cited ongoing initiatives aimed at boosting hydrogen production. Among these is a ₹500-crore pilot project involving major Indian companies including Tata Motors, Reliance Industries, and NTPC Limited. The project plans to deploy 27 hydrogen-powered vehicles across 10 routes, serving as a testing ground for hydrogen’s potential in transportation.
In addition, India is entering collaborations with international partners to strengthen its hydrogen ecosystem. Toyota Kirloskar Motor recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Ohmium International to develop integrated green hydrogen-based power solutions in India, further signaling the country’s commitment to clean energy adoption.
Experts believe that achieving the targeted production cost could save India approximately ₹22 lakh crore annually in fossil fuel imports. Beyond economic benefits, green hydrogen is expected to substantially reduce carbon emissions, aligning India’s energy policies with global climate targets.
Gadkari concluded by stressing the need for sustained investment, research, and public-private partnerships to realize India’s vision. “With strategic planning and cost-effective production, India can lead the global clean energy transition,” he said.
The Minister’s remarks come amid growing global interest in green hydrogen as a key element of sustainable energy strategies, positioning India to play a major role in the international clean fuel market.
